Newberry County: Culture, Forest Trails and Islands

Discover Newberry County through a range of travel interests: performing arts, distinctive trails and waterside scenery. If you’re looking for a hotel, you can start by considering whether culture, nature or an event will shape your stay. Lake Murray lies on Newberry County’s southern border and is a major recreational area in central South Carolina.

Islands, Forest and Trails

Dreher Island State Park is in Newberry County on Lake Murray. It consists of three islands connected to the shore by a causeway and two bridges. The islands and the lake together form this natural area.

Large pines and mature hardwood stands shape the landscape at Lynch’s Woods Park. The Civilian Conservation Corps established the park in 1934. Its 7.5 miles of trails for hiking and biking, with winding sections, short climbs and challenging creek crossings, are a central feature; there are also 6.1 miles of equestrian trails. An additional 0.2-mile ADA trail is located near the park entrance. The trails are open, and the park is open from dawn to dusk.

The Peak to Prosperity Passage offers another trail experience. It runs through Newberry County, past historic Peak, through Piedmont forest and on to Pomaria. Its route includes 14 wooden trestle bridges spanning the winding course of Crims Creek. The bridges and the succession of forest, creek and destination give this passage a different character from the trails at Lynch’s Woods Park.

Performing Arts and Architectural History

Since its opening in 1882, the Newberry Opera House has been the cultural heart of Newberry County. Architecturally, it is a striking example of Victorian eclectic civic architecture, crowned by a French Gothic-style clock tower. The style descriptions refer to different parts of the building: the architecture of the main building and the design of its tower.

About 170 events are held there each year. The program includes chamber music, opera and dance performances, as well as concerts featuring country-western, big band and beach music. The range spans performances and various forms of concerts. If you’d like to make an event the centerpiece of your stay, check the current program before your trip.

The Newberry Museum preserves and shares the ongoing history and cultural heritage of Newberry County and Newberry College. The Wells Japanese Garden offers another way to experience design and landscape: this small, landscaped park was established privately in 1930 and given to the city for public use in 1971. Native and exotic plants sit alongside Japanese architectural features that enclose and overlook two small ponds.

Annual Events and Special Visits

The South Carolina Clay Conference takes place annually in Newberry and is geared toward people interested in ceramics. Since dates may change, it’s worth checking the event dates before your trip. In Little Mountain, the Little Mountain Reunion is celebrated each August as a folk festival; it is one of South Carolina’s oldest folk festivals. Its history dates back to 1882, when it began as an initiative associated with Newberry College to promote local alumni reunions.

Pork in the Park is an annual barbecue gathering at Memorial Park. The event features live music and food, along with family-friendly offerings and activities for children. Specific dates and the program vary from year to year. If you’re planning a stay around one of these festivals, check the date and program in advance.

A visit to Carter and Holmes Orchids can also be a special highlight: the Orchid Safari is a tour of greenhouses featuring orchids and tropical plants at different stages of growth. Tours require an appointment in advance. Enoree River Vineyards & Winery offers a local tasting experience with views of eight acres of vineyard; check seasonal opening hours before your visit.

When choosing the focus of your stay, you can weigh the cultural program, trails and nature, or an event date. This lets you tailor your hotel stay to the reason for your visit to Newberry County.

Discover more destinations: Newberry, Chappells, Little Mountain, Berkeley, Greenville, Allendale, Laurens, Colleton County

For the main travel overview: South Carolina.